David Nichols
With an affinity for the wild, wide open spaces of South America's far reaches, David has been with us since the early 90s and bolsters our Product department with his exceptional ground knowledge.
David’s early trips to Mexico to visit a relative left a striking impression which never left him, and before long he returned to Latin America as a backpacker and later a tour leader for Journey Latin America. In 1995 he joined our London office and can now be found in the Product department, where his exceptional ground knowledge and degree in Spanish are put to great use in his role as Product Manager for Brazil and the Southern Cone region.
For David, the unspoilt wilderness areas of South America are the continent’s biggest draw. Patagonia in particular stands out to him, while he also loves the Pantanal – Brazil’s vast and wildlife-filled wetlands – and Guyana, where he relished sailing up the Maparri river alongside giant otters and boa constrictors while sleeping in camps surrounded by breathtaking rainforest scenery. His favourite country is Chile, which he describes as stunningly beautiful, unspoilt and overwhelmingly varied: a country designed for incredible overland journeys. He also looks back on the first sight of land in Antarctica as one of the most memorable and awe-inspiring moments of his extensive travels.
PersonAL favourites:
Place:
Oaxaca captures the very best of Mexico, it’s not just a colonial showpiece but a living city, bursting with colour, music and flavour. The food is legendary: the markets are a great place to try it plus there are excellent restaurants. In the nearby Sierra Madre mountains are ancient Zapotec and Mixtec citadels, as well as superb hiking – part of a local community ecotourism initiative.
Hotel:
Hotel Bahia Bustamante Lodge in Argentina is a huge working estancia on the Atlantic coast of Patagonia with miles of fossil-strewn beaches and offshore islands teeming with seabirds, sea lions and penguins. Back at HQ, you sleep in former workers’ cottages and dine in what used to be the village shop. Traditional and authentic, it’s Patagonian nostalgia and hospitality at its best.
Excursion:
Exploring Iguazu Falls (Brazil/Argentina). As a JLA client once put it, Iguazú Falls make Niagara look like a dripping tap. Toucans and blue morpho butterflies flutter in the Atlantic rainforest and swifts dive into the spray. Walking from the hotel Belmond Das Cataratas to the falls at dawn or dusk (when there’s almost no one there) is an incredible experience, a standout highlight of all the travels I’ve done.
I’m all for slower travel. My best trips have always been when I’ve explored just one or two regions and had the chance to really experience the landscapes, culture and food. It’s easily to fill a whole holiday in just a couple of national parks in Patagonia or a bite-size chunk of Brazil. Similarly, the countries of Central America may look small on the map but each has a lot to offer, as does Uruguay.
After some unpleasant surprises (many years ago) I’m still slightly terrified of losing my luggage so I cram my carry-on with essentials to keep me going for several days… just in case.
